Feeling the draft

In their circles, there's optimism that former UH receiver Greg Salas and running back Alex Green might be selected as early as tomorrow, when the NFL conducts the second and third rounds of the draft.

More than 20 teams have remained in constant contact with Salas. And yesterday, the New England Patriots met with Green in his home in Portland.

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Former UH safety Spencer Smith is exploring options beyond a playing career.

By not signing with an agent, Smith remains on UH scholarship. He earned a bachelor's degree last summer, and is taking online classes toward a master's degree.

He also has been hired as an assistant coach in charge of defensive backs at his alma mater, Kell High in Georgia. Kell opens spring practice May 9.

Smith is in a program in which he is allowed to teach at Kell and draw a coach's salary as long as he works toward earning a master's degree in a five-year period.

"This is my primary plan if football doesn't happen," Smith said.

As for the approach of spring practice, Smith said, "I'm excited, nervous. It'll be a good experience. I learned a lot from coach (Rich) Miano on DBs. I'll probably call him up and ask him for advice."

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With two weeks remaining in the spring semester, the Warriors already have started their offseason conditioning program.

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Linebacker Aulola Tonga, who redshirted in 2010, is now the backup buck linebacker to Aaron Brown. Because of his long vertical hair, one of his teammates called him Bu Laia. And, yes, Tonga remembered him.

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Defensive end Alema Tachibana ties up loose ends:

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As a precaution, the trainers fitted linebacker Corey Paredes with this wrapping. He will be 100 percent this summer:

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Defensive end Liko Satele, who missed the second half of spring ball because of a forearm injury, also should be fully healthy in a few weeks:

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Defensive tackle Haku Correa sports a barbell spike in his left ear lobe:

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The party doesn't start until the arrival of defensive leader Kaniela Tuipulotu:

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Quarterback Shane Austin participated in the workout:

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One of the drills is the backward toss-and-sprint involving a medicine ball. Here's defensive back Mike Sellers:

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The drill is supposed to be good for core strengthening. Here's kicker Tyler Hadden: